Here's Your Guide to the College Football Playoff

It's New Years Eve, which thanks to the (belated) wisdom of the NCAA means it's time for the College Football Playoff. Finally, someone convinced those guys to do something that might make them some money. Four teams will meet in two storied bowl games—the Orange and the Cotton—as you wallow in your pre-hangover on the couch. Touchdowns will be scored, dances will be danced (but no dabbing), and you won't have to move until it's time to pop champagne and do something you regret. Here's your guide to the festivities.

Getty ImagesStreeter Lecka

The Capital One Orange Bowl: No. 4 Oklahoma vs. No. 1 Clemson

Oklahoma meets Clemson at the Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. After years in the wilderness, the Clemson Tigers were undefeated this regular season, going 13-0. They've got three suspensions for the big game, though, and the 11-1 Oklahoma Sooners are favorites in the betting.

Michigan State and Alabama duke it out at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Spartans have won two of the last three Big Ten Championships, and have posted 11 or more wins in five of the last six seasons. They run up against an Alabama juggernaut, however: 12-1 this season, the Crimson Tide have claimed three national titles in the last six years.

The Cotton Bowl airs at 8 PM on ESPN.

You're now ready to enjoy the wonders of postseason college football. You can plan out tonight's drinking during the commercials.

A Part of Hearst Digital Media
Esquire participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.